Adjustable Catamaran Pontoon Width for Wheelchair Engagement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watercraft designs do not conveniently accommodate wheelchairs for recreational water sports, particularly for individuals with limited mobility, as they lack adaptable mechanisms for securing and propelling wheelchairs of varying sizes and types.

Innovation Solution

A catamaran design featuring parallel pontoons with a wheelchair engagement framework and thrusters, allowing for easy attachment and submersion of wheelchairs between the pontoons, with adjustable components to accommodate different wheelchair sizes and types, and modular accessories for control and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-width catamaran design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate wheelchairs of different sizes and types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different wheelchair sizesVSAvoidcatamaran structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catamaran employs adjustable pontoons that can slide along the bow beam to change the width of the catamaran. The pontoons are retained by transverse sleeves allowing lateral adjustment, enabling the catamaran to adapt to wheelchairs of different widths while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The catamaran structure is divided into modular components including the bow beam, transverse sleeves, and adjustable pontoons. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of pontoon position and width, providing versatility without requiring complete structural redesign for different wheelchair types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid engagement framework is used, then the wheelchair is securely held, but it is difficult to accommodate varying wheelchair dimensions and types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement of different wheelchair typesVSAvoidframework adjustment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement framework includes vertically offset adjustable wheelchair engaging members that can be positioned at different heights to match various wheelchair frame configurations. These members are adjustable within the pontoon engagement structure, allowing secure engagement of different wheelchair types without requiring multiple custom frameworks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pontoon engagement members are designed with sufficient reach and lateral offset adjustability to accommodate multiple wheelchair types, widths, and tyre configurations including widened beach-going tyres. This universal design allows a single framework to securely engage various wheelchair configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the bow beam is fixed in position, then the structure is stable and simple, but it cannot accommodate wheelchairs of different widths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment to different wheelchair widthsVSAvoidbow beam positional stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The bow beam incorporates a telescopic mechanism with a central telescopic member and lateral telescopic members that can extend and retract. This allows the bow beam to adjust its width to match different wheelchair dimensions while maintaining a stable engaged position through non-rotatable connections via rectangular cross-sections in the transverse sleeves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables quick and convenient recreational water sports use for individuals with limited mobility by securely engaging and propelling wheelchairs of various sizes, ensuring safe and enjoyable experiences.

Implementation Method 1

two parallel pontoons spaced abeam a bow beam... for selective attachment and submersion of a wheelchair in water between the pontoons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

thrusters located beneath respective pontoons for the propulsion of the catamaran

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrust: Jet

Data Source

PatentUS11673632B2Catamaran for a wheelchair

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 CAMARENA VAZQUEZ GUILLERMO

AI summary

A catamaran for a wheelchair has two parallel pontoons secured abeam a bow beam and a wheelchair engaging framework for selective attachment and submersion of a wheelchair in water between the pontoons behind the bow beam in use. The catamaran is able to engage a wheelchair in a simple and convenient manner for recreational water sport use by those of limited mobility.